Modular office panels

ABSTRACT

Privacy screen core panels ( 38 ) are mounted to extrusions ( 50 ) having two slots ( 52 ), each slot ( 52 ) having two sets of opposed grooves ( 84, 86 ). The extrusions ( 50 ) are joined together by mating V-shaped notches ( 56 ) and V-shaped ends ( 58 ) formed in the extrusions ( 50 ), and extending tube plates ( 62 ) between the extrusions ( 50 ). Core panels ( 458 ) are secured to tubes ( 28 ) formed of the extrusions ( 50 ) by fitting mounting brackets ( 452 ) into the slots ( 52 ), with two ears ( 472, 474 ) of the mounting bracket ( 452 ) extending outward from the slot ( 52 ). The two ears ( 472, 474 ) have apertures ( 476 ) for receiving a pin ( 454 ) which extends transversely through the core panel ( 458 ). A threaded fastener ( 460 ) extends through the extrusion ( 50 ) and the mounting bracket ( 452 ), through an end of the core panel ( 458 ), and is secured within a through-hole ( 486 ) in the pin ( 454 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/484,858, filed Jul. 3, 2003, entitled “ModularOffice Panel Features,” and invented by David Wright.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to furniture, and in particularto privacy screens and related accessories for modular office furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular office furniture has been provided by rigid panels which areconnected together by vertical support members. The vertical supportmembers typically have mounting slots formed on various sides forreceiving mounting brackets which secure the rigid panels to thevertical support members. The mounting slots are typically visible fromeach side of the vertical support members. Various accessories such asshelving and such are mounted in the mounting slots formed into thevertical support members. The mounting slots will face outward from thesupport members, perpendicular to the plane of the rigid panels, forreceiving mounting tabs of the shelving and accessories. Any downwardpull on the accessories will pull directly against the portion of themounting tabs inserted into the mounting slots. The mounting slots aretypically formed into steel to provide sufficient strength for mountingthe accessories with mounting brackets having tabs whichfit into themounting slots. The mounting slots are typically visible to a personfacing the rigid panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Modular office furniture is disclosed which includes privacy screensprovided by rigid panels. The rigid panels include core panels mountedto a rigid frame formed from various support tubed provided by verticaland horizontal tubes formed of aluminum extrusions. The extrusionsproviding the vertical and horizontal tubes have two slots formed intoopposite, longitudinal sides of the extrusions. The two slots preferablyeach have a substantially rectangular shape defining a groove with aprofile which includes two sets of opposed grooves, extending onopposite sides of the slot for the full length of the slots. Variousmounting brackets and hinges are supported in the grooves. The groovesalso provide a means for attaching accessories, and decorative trim suchthat the slots are not visible. The horizontal and vertical supporttubes are secured together by forming a miter joint with a rigid tubeplate extending within the miter joint. The miter joint is provided byforming V-shaped notches in the vertical tubes and V-shaped ends on thehorizontal tubes. The V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes fit flushwithin the V-shaped notches of the vertical tubes. The V-shaped notchesare spaced apart along the length of the vertical tubes for receivingthe V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes. The tube plates extend fromthe vertical tubes into the horizontal tubes with a threaded fastenersecuring the tube plate to the horizontal tubes to rigidly secure thevertical tubes to the horizontal tubes. An inner trim is inserted intothe slots, and has mounting tabs which extend into the opposed innergrooves of the slots. An outer trim fits in the slots between sidewallsof the slots and the inner trim, with tabs which fit into the outergrooves of the slots. Hinges are also mounted in the slots, withmounting tabs that fit into the inner grooves.

The core panels are also secured to the vertical tubes by means of amounting assembly which includes a mounting bracket, a core panel pinand a threaded fastener. A longitudinal aperture is provided by a blindhole formed into an end the core panel, preferably parallel to the planeof the main surfaces of the core panel. A transverse aperture is formedto extend transversely through the core panel, and preferablyperpendicular to the plane of the main surfaces of the core panels. Thetransverse aperture intersects and extends transversely through thelongitudinal aperture. A core panel pin is disposed in the transverseslot, and has a threaded, transverse through-hole which extendstransverse to a longitudinal axis of the core panel pin for aligningwith the longitudinal aperture. The core panel pin is preferably widerthan the core panel, such that opposite ends of the core panel pinprotrude outward on opposite sides of the core panel when the core panelpin is disposed within the transverse aperture. The mounting bracket ispreferably U-shaped, having a web portion and two spaced apart mountingears which extend outward from the web portion in parallel, at rightangles to the web portion. Each of the two ears has a pin aperture forreceiving the portions of the core panel pin which protrude outward fromthe core panel, and the web portion has a bolt aperture for aligningwith the longitudinal slot such that the core panel pin is extendingthrough the pin apertures in the two ears. The web portion fits againsta tube plate secured in the extrusion providing the vertical tube, withthe two ears extending outward for receiving one of the core panelsbetween the two ears. The core panel pin extends through the core paneland the pin apertures in the two ears of the mounting bracket, with thethreaded, transverse through-hole axially aligned with the longitudinalaperture. A V-shaped notch is formed into the extrusion providing thevertical tube, within which the mounting bracket is received into theslot in the extrusion. An aperture is formed for inserting the tubeplate into the extrusion. A threaded fastener is passed through amounting hole in the tube plate, through the bolt aperture in the webportion of the mounting bracket, into the longitudinal aperture in thecore panel, and is secured within the threaded, transverse through-holeof the core panel pin to secure the core panel pin within the corepanel, to the mounting bracket, and to the extrusion providing thevertical tube.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which FIGS. 1through 51 show various aspects for modular office panels devices madeaccording to the present invention, as set forth below:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of modular furniture shownhaving a screen assembly which includes three panels;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one panel of the screen assembly;

FIG. 3 is a partial, exploded view of a corner assembly of the panel;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an extrusion providing thevertical and the horizontal tubes for the panel;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the extrusion;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of the vertical tubes of theextrusion, showing V-shaped notches spaced apart at three places alongthe longitudinal length of the vertical tube;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the vertical tube;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a first side of the vertical tube;

FIG. 9 is a partial view of the first side of the vertical tube andshows an aperture formed into a slot into one side of the vertical tube,the aperture aligned along the center of the slot;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second side of the vertical tube;

FIG. 11 shows a partial view of the second side of the vertical tubeshowing the two mouning slots formed into the vertical tube in parallelalignment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of a horizontal tube;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the horizontal tube;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the horizontal tube;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken along sectionline 15-15 of FIG. 12, and shows a miter nut being installed into a holeformed within the horizontal tube;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken along sectionline 16-16 of FIG. 12, and shows the miter nut after being installed inthe hole within the horizontal tube;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tube plate;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the tube plate;

FIG. 19 is an end view of the tube plate;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the miter nut;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion showing various trimpieces disposed within slots of the extrusion;

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of a top trim;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the top trim;

FIG. 24 is a side view of an inner trim for fitting with an extrusionslot and receiving a core panel into the extrusion slot;

FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of an inner sleeve for fittingwithin the space between two legs of the inner trim;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate inner trim providedfor thin core panels;

FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of an outer trim;

FIG. 28 is perspective view of an outer trim stop;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a two panel hinge member;

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the two panel hinge member;

FIG. 31 is an end view of the two panel hinge member;

FIG. 32 is an end view of a four panel hinge member;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of hinge pin;

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of an extrusion to which are mounted a cableclip and a four panel hinge member;

FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of a wall mount for securing a panel toa building wall;

FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the wall mount mounted to avertical tube;

FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along section line 37-37 of FIG. 36,which shows an extrusion tube having the wall mount, a hinge and a tubeplate securing the extrusion tube to a building wall;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a panel support foot;

FIG. 39 is an end elevation view of the panel support foot;

FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of the panel support foot;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a lock plate for the support foot;

FIG. 41 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the support footand an extrusion;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a support foot lock plate;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a top cap button;

FIG. 44 is a side view of a top cap button;

FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of a tube endcap;

FIG. 47 is perspective view of a cable management assembly;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a panel having cable managementassemblies for routing power and data lines;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view and FIG. 50 is a side view of a cable clipof the cable management assembly;

FIG. 51 is a partial perspective view and FIG. 52 is an end view of acable tube of the cable management assembly;

FIG. 53 is a top view and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a cable tubeend plate;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ceiling plate;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-on accessory shelf which ismounted to two vertical tubes of a panel;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of and FIG. 58 is a side view of amounting bracket for securing the clip on accessory shelf to paneltubes;

FIG. 59 is a view of a screen assembly having transactor surfacesmounted to the top of panels of the screen assembly;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a first transactor surface;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a second transactor surface;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly having shaped corepanels;

FIG. 63 is a partial side elevation view of the screen assembly, showinga mounting assembly for securing the shaped core panels to verticalextrusion tubes;

FIG. 64 is a partial, perspective view of the mounting assembly securedto a core panel;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly, a core paneland an extrusion;

FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of a core panel showing alongitudinal aperture and a transverse aperture which intersect withinthe core panel;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a tube plate;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a core panel pin;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a cover cap;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of shelf mounting bracket being assembledto an extruded tube;

FIG. 72 is a sectional view of the shelf mounting bracket and theextruded tube; and

FIG. 73 is a side view of a shelf clip for the shelf mounting bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of modular furniture 12 havingprivacy screens provided by panel 14, panel 16 and panel 18, which aresecured together. The panel 8 has an upper core panel 20 and a lowercore panel 22. A table 24 is shown disposed in front of the panels 14,16, and 18 of the modular furniture 12. An accessory shelf 26 is mountedto the panel 14. The panels preferably each have rigid frames of supporttubes provided by opposed sets of vertical tubes 28 and horizontal tubes30. The uppermost ones of the horizontal tubes 30 have a top trim 32which extends longitudinally along the length of the horizontal tubes30. Hinges 34 are provided between each of the panels 14, 16, and 18.Leveler feet 36 are secured in the lower ends of the horizontal tubes30. One of the cores 38 is formed with translucent material such thatobjects may be seen behind the material, such as the chair 40. Thepanels 14 and 18 have core panels which are opaque.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the panel 16 having two vertical tubes28 which are spaced apart and disposed on opposite sides of the panel16, and two horizontal tubes 30 which are spaced apart and disposedopposite sides of the core 38. The vertical tubes 28 are joined to thehorizontal tubes 30 at V-shaped miter joints having tube plates 62disposed to extend interiorly within adjacent portions of the verticaltubes 28 and horizontal tubes 30 at corners of the panel 16 to provide arigid framework for the panel 16. The top trim 32 is mounted to theupper most one of the horizontal tubes 30. End caps 42 are provided inthe upper ends of the vertical tubes 28.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a corner connection between the verticaltube 28 and the horizontal tube 30, providing a miter joint between thetwo extruded tubes 28 and 30. An end cap tube button 44 provides afastener for fitting in an end of the vertical tube 28, and threadinglysecuring the end cap 42 to the top end of tube 28. The vertical tube 28and horizontal tube 30 are preferably extruded aluminum tubes formed ofthe same extrusion 50, and will thus have the same profiles. Slots 52are defined by substantially rectangular grooves formed to extend onopposite, longitudinally extending edges of the extrusions 50, with theslots 52 being symmetrically formed on opposite edges of the extrusions28 and extending the full length of the extrusions. Two hinge members 54are secured in opposite ends of respective ones of the slots 52 forpivotally securing adjacent panels 14, 16, and 18 together. An aperture60 provides a slot formed into the vertical tube 28 for receiving a tubeplate 62. The tube plate 62 is a T-shaped bracket having threeprotruding ends which extend within the extruded tubes 28 and 30 in eachof the three directions in which the tubes extend from the miter jointproviding the corner connection. The tube plate 62 is stiff to providerigidity to the miter joint between the two extruded tubes 28 and 30,and preferably is formed of aluminum. A bolt 64 extends outward of anend of the tube plate 62, extending from within the V-shaped notch 56for engaging a miter nut 68 which is secured within an aperture 66provided by a blind hole in the horizontal tube 30. The aperture 66extends perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the horizontalsupport tube 30. The miter nut 68 is secured to the end of the bolt 64for securing the horizontal support tube 30 to the vertical tube 28. Ahinge member 54 is secured to the outward end of the tube plate 62,which secures the tube plate 62 from within the horizontal tube 28, andwhich also secures the hinge member 54 at a vertical height of thevertical tube 28. An inner trim 70 is disposed in the slot 52 forreceiving a panel core.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end portion of an extrusion 50 usedfor providing the vertical tubes 28 and the horizontal tubes 30, andFIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the extrusion 50. Extrusion 50 hasan oval shape, and an interior profile 72 with two oppositely disposed,interior protrusions 74. The interior protrusions 74 are preferably ofT-shaped cross section, and have arcuately shaped ends which define acentral portion 76. The central portion 76 is substantially tubular withopen sides. The central portion 76 may be threaded at the upper andlower ends of the extrusions 50 for threadingly securing a leveler typemounting foot 36 or an end cap fastener 44. The substantially tubularcentral portion 76 also provides a passage for the tube plate 62 toextend through the extrusion for securing the V-shaped formed end 58 ofa horizontal tube 30 within the V-shaped notch 56 of a mating horizontaltube 28. The inwardly extended protrusions 74 are preferably disposed toextend from the longitudinally extending sides of the extrusion 50, at aninety degree angle around a longitudinal axis 80 of the extrusion 50from the edges in which the slots 52 are formed. In some embodiments,the inward ends 76 of the two protrusions 74 may be formed to eachengage the tube plate 62 (see FIG. 2), the miter nut 68 (see FIG. 16),and the tube plate 458 along at least two lineally extending linesparallel to the length of the extrusion 50. Two sets of support ribs 78extend the full length of the extrusion 50, adjacent to the slots 52,and inwardly extending into the interior profile 72. The two supportribs 78 provide a plurality of contact surfaces in a structural,supportive engagement with the tube plate 62 at four spaced apart,longitudinally extending contact surfaces within the interior of theextrusion 50.

The slots 52 each have a slot profile 82 defined by a groove which isgenerally rectangular in shape, and having three sides. The slot profile82 also having a pair of outer grooves 84 which are oppositely disposedon opposite sides of the slot profile 82. Additionally, two innergrooves are oppositely disposed on opposite sides of the slot profile82, directly adjacent to a bottom wall 90 defining a slot wall 90 of theslot 52. Two sidewalls 88 extend in parallel, adjacent to and at rightangles to the bottom wall 90 The outer grooves 84 and inner grooves 86are formed to extend into the sidewalls 88. The inner grooves 86 areadjacent to the bottom wall 90 and are preferably of a generallysquared, rectangular shape. The two outer groove 84 are preferablyarcuately shaped, which and will fit flush with mounting tabs which areof a generally round shape. The interior profile 72 and slot profile 82preferably run the entire length of the extrusion 50, with the innergroves 86 and the outer grooves 84 extending the full length of theextrusion 50.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of the vertical tubes 28, showingthe V-shaped notches 56 spaced apart at three places along thelongitudinal length of the vertical tube 28. FIG. 7 is a partialsectional view of the vertical tube 28 of FIG. 6, showing the V-shapednotch 56 having an angle 92 of approximately ninety degrees. Preferably,the V-shaped notch 56 extends half way into the extrusion 50 from whichthe tube 28 is formed.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an edge of the vertical tube 28,showing the aperture 60 in which the tube plate 62 is received. Theapertures 60 are preferably spaced apart at three separate portions ofthe length of the vertical tube 28, disposed adjacent to and on anopposite side from the V-shaped notches 56. FIG. 9 is a partial sectionview showing the aperture 60 formed into one side of the vertical tube28, aligned along the center of the slot 52. Preferably, the aperture 60will be of a height 94 and a width 96, which is preferably a height ofapproximately two and a half inches and a width of approximately onequarter inches, and will extend through the bottom wall 90 of the slot52 into which it is formed. The aperture 60 is disposed between adjacentones of the longitudinally extending support ribs 78, such that thelongitudinally extending support ribs 78 will fit flush against a tubeplate 62 (see FIGS. 10 and 37) and a tube place 458 (see FIG. 65).

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the opposite end of the verticaltube 28 from that into which the slot 60 is formed. FIG. 10 shows theV-shaped notches 56 formed in three places along the length of thevertical tube 28. In addition to the V-shaped notches 56, parallelmounting apertures 102 are formed into the slot 52 for mountingaccessories.

FIG. 11 is a partial section view of the tube 28, showing the twomounting apertures 102 formed in parallel alignment, on opposite sidesof the slot 52. Preferably, each of the mounting apertures isapproximately 1.2 inches long and 0.13 inches wide. Accessory mountingbrackets will have mounting tabs which fit within the apertures 102. Themounting apertures 102 extend parallel and adjacent to the sidewalls 88of the slot profiles 82 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), and through the bottomwall 90 of the slot 52 between respective ones of the two longitudinallyextending support ribs 78 and the sidewalls 88. The apertures 102 areformed through the bottom wall 90 at a location disposed betweenrespective ones the support ribs 78 and the sidewalls 88, such that theadjacent support ribs 78 and the adjacent sidewalls 88 will reinforcethe strength to the portion of the bottom wall 90 which is adjacent theapertures 102. Additionally, as discussed below, accessory brackets 414which are mounted in the apertures 102 will pull against the sidewall 88and push against the support ribs 78 when weight or downward force isapplied to the accessory being mounted, since the accessory is disposedopposite the sidewall 88. (See FIGS. 14 and 56).

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, FIG. 13 is a side view, and FIG. 14 is abottom view one of the horizontal tubes 30. The formed ends 58 of thehorizontal tubes 30 are preferably formed at an angle 106 of ninetydegrees. An aperture 66 is formed as a blind hole extending through thebottom slot 52 at a distance 104 from the end of the tip or terminal endtip of the formed end 58 for receiving the miter nut 68. The aperture 66extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 80 of the horizontal tube30. The aperture 66 is preferably drilled to a depth of which ends afterpassing through the two inward protrusions 74 of the interior profile72.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along section line 15-15 of FIG. 12.The aperture 66 is shown extending through the two inward protrusions 74of the inward profile 72. The miter nut 68 is inserted into the aperture66 in the direction shown. Miter nut 68 has a main body 110 and a tab112 disposed in the forward end of the main body 110. An aperture 108extends through a central portion of the main body 110.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along section line 16-16 of FIG. 12,and shows the miter nut 68 after it has been disposed within theaperture 66, in position within the extrusion 50 for threadinglysecuring to the bolt 64. The tab 112 on the forward end of the miter nut68 will fit between the two parallel support ribs 78, adjacent to thebottom wall 98 of a slot 52 which is disposed in an opposite end of theextrusion 50 from that in which the aperture 66 is formed. Preferably,the tab 112 will extend within the two support protrusions 78 and thetwo interior protrusions 74 with a slight press fit such that it willnot fall out from within the interior profile 72 of the extrusion 50.The threaded aperture 08 will be aligned perpendicular to a central axisof the extrusion 50 for receiving the bolt 64 from the end of the tubeplate 62 (shown in FIG. 3).

FIG. 17 is a perspective view and FIG. 18 is a side elevation view, andFIG. 19 is a rearward end view of a tube plate 62. The tube plate 62 ispreferably a flat, T-shaped aluminum member having a main body 16 and aforward end 118. A hole 120 extends through the length of the tube plate62, centrally disposed within the main body 16 and the forward end 118.It should be noted that the hole 120 may also be provided by a slot,preferably one within which a bolt 64 (shown in FIG. 3) will be retainedwithin the main body 116 and the forward end 118 of the tube plate 62.The slot has a forward end 122, from which the end of the bolt 64 willprotrude. The rearward end of the hole 120 has an enlarged portion 124for receiving the head of the bolt 64. Preferably, the bolt 64 (shown inFIG. 3) is provided by an allen screw having a head which fits withinthe enlarged portion 124. Preferably, two threaded holes 126 are spacedapart in the rearward end face of the main body 116 of the tube plate 62for receiving fasteners which secure the hinge members 54 in the slots52, which secures the tube plate 62 within the extrusion 50.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a miter nut 68, having a main body 110and a tab 112. The threaded hole 108 is formed centrally within themiter nut 68.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an uppermost one of the horizontal tubes30, disposed at the top of a panel. A top trim 32 is disposed in theuppermost slot 52 of the tube 30. The top trim 32 has tabs 134 which aresecured within the inner groove 86. An inner trim 150 and an outer trim152 are disposed in the lower slot 52 for receiving an edge of a corepanel 138. The inner trim 150 is mounted in the inner slot 86, adjacentto the slot bottom 90. The outer trim 152 fits within the outer groove84 adjacent to the sidewalls 82 of the slot 52.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view ofa top trim 32. The top trim 32 has is preferably formed of an aluminumextrusion, having a profile 130 defined by lower body portion 132 and anupper body portion 138 with a web portion 136 extending between thelower body portion 132 and the upper body portion 138. Mounting tabs 134are provided by flange portions which extend over the longitudinallength of the lower most end of the lower body portion 132 for fittingwithin the inner grooves 86 of the upper slot 52 of a top horizontalmember 30 (shown in FIG. 21). The top trim 32 has two sets of oppositelydisposed lower grooves 140 and upper grooves 142. The lower grooves 140and upper grooves 142 are oppositely disposed in alignment foroptionally receiving decorative trim panels 144 on opposite sides of theweb portion 136.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an inner trim 150. The inner trim 150 hasa base portion 158, with lower edges on opposite sides of the baseportion 158 defining mounting tabs 168 for fitting within the innergrooves 86 into slot 52. Additionally, longitudinally extendingprotuberances 162 extend from the lower end of the base portion 158 toprovide frictional engagement members for aiding in locking the trim inplace within the slot 52. Two legs 164 outwardly extend of the baseportion 158, and are spaced apart to provide a space 166 between the twolegs 164 for receiving an edge of a core panel 38 which is being securedwithin a respective slot 52.

FIG. 25 is a partial, perspective view of an inner sleeve 170 which maybe used for fitting within the space 166 between the two legs 164 of thetube inner trim 150 for adapting the inner trim 150 for receiving a corepanel of smaller size than that which it would receive without use ofthe inner sleeve 170. The inner sleeve 170 has a base portion 172 withtwo legs 174, and is preferably of a U-shaped profile extruded ofplastic materials. The two legs 174 are spaced apart to define a space176 for receiving an edge of a core panel. The base 172 of the innersleeve 170 will fit against the base 158 of the inner trim 150, with thelegs 174 extending adjacent to the legs 164.

FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of a second inner trim 180provided for thin core panels, such that it may be used to replace useof both the inner trim 150 combined with the inner sleeve 170. The innertrim 180 is preferably provided by a plastic extrusion, having a baseportion 182 with opposite edges which providing flange portions thatdefine mounting tabs 184 for fitting within the inner grooves 86 of oneof the slots 52. Two longitudinally extending protuberances 186 extendthe longitudinal length of the interior side of the base portion 182.Two legs 188 extend from the outward side of the base portion 182, andare spaced apart to define a space 190 for receiving a thin core panel.The outward ends 192 of the legs 188 extend back towards with baseportion 182 to provide longitudinally extended flanges which extend thelength of the inner trim.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an outer trim 152. The outer trim152 includes a main body 196 which fits flush against a sidewall 82 ofone of the slots 52. The outer trim has an inwardly extending portion198 which extends from the main body 196 inward to define an end tip 200which will extend outward of the inner trims 150 or 180 and fit againsta core panel to provide a more decorative appearance, and to fullyenclose the slot 52 within one of the inner trims 150 and 180, and theouter trim 152. The outer trim 152 further has a protuberance 202 whichextends from an outward side of the main body 196 to define alongitudinally extending, mounting tab. The protuberance 202 preferablyhas a substantially rounded-shaped profile which defines a bulbous body204 for fitting flush within the rounded profile of the outer groove 84of one of the slots 52. Two indentations 206 extend into opposite sidesof the protuberance 202, adjacent to the main body 196, for receivinginwardly protruding edges of the outer portion of the outer groove 84.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an outer trim stop 212. The outer trimstop 212 has a first portion 214 and a second portion 216. The firstportion 214 will fit in the end of a slot 52, with edges of the firstportion providing mounting tabs which extend into the inner groove 86 ofthe slot 52. The second portion 216 of the outer trim stop will extendoutward of the slot 52 and prevent the outer trim 152 from slidinglongitudinally from the slot 52. End caps 42, mounting feet 36, andhinge members 54 and the like will retain the outer trim stops 212within the slots 52.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view, FIG. 30 is side view, and FIG. 31 is anend view of a two panel hinge member 54. The hinge member 54 has ispreferably formed of an aluminum extrusion having a main body 220 withtwo mounting tabs 222 defined by flange portions which longitudinallyextend from opposite sides of the main body 220 for fitting within theinner grooves 86 of a slot 52, with the mounting tabs 222 fitting flushagainst the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52. The hinge member 54 furtherincludes a boss 224 which extends to a collar 226. The collar 226 has anaperture 228 defining a hinge loop for rotatably receiving a hinge pin252 for pivoting within the collar 226. Two through holes 230 areprovided for passing to a threaded fasteners which are threadinglysecured to two holes 126 in one of the tube plates 62 to which the hingemember 54 is secured, which secures the hinge member 54 in a fixedposition within one of the slots 52.

FIG. 32 is an end view of a four panel hinge member 234. The hingemember 234 is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion, and has a mainbody 236 with two mounting tabs 38 provided by flange portions forfitting within the inner grooves 86 of a slot 52. A boss 240 extends toan outer portion 242. The outer portion 242 has three collars 244 whichdefine three apertures 246 to define hinge loops for receiving hingepins 252. One hinge member 234 is mounted to one panel, and then threetwo panel hinge member 54 are mounted to three other panels for securingto hinge pins 252 in respective ones of the collars 226 and collars 244to pivotally secure the edges of four panels together.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of hinge pin 252. The hinge pin 252 has anupper cylindrical portion 254 which defines an upper pin portion, and alower cylindrical portion 256 which defines a lower pin portion, and anannular-shaped collar 258 which is disposed between the uppercylindrical portion 254 and the lower cylindrical portion 256. Twotapped holes 260 are provided in opposite ends of the hinge pin 252 forsecuring fasteners in the ends of the hinge pins 252 for securing thehinge pins 252 within the collars 228 and 244.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of one of the extrusions 50 with thefour panel hinge member 234 secured in the slot 52 and a cable clip 354secured within the two opposite slots 52. The tube plate 62 is shownextending from beneath the hinge member 234, to rigidly connect thehinge member 234 to the extrusion 50.

FIG. 35 is a side elevation view, FIG. 36 is a perspective view, andFIG. 37 is a sectional view of a wall mount 262 for securing a panel toa building wall. The wall mount 262 is preferably provided by the sameextrusion as that which used to provide the two-panel hinge member 54,and thus has the same cross-section as that shown for the hinge member54 in FIG. 31. The wall mount 262 has end portions 264 and centralportion 266 having notches 268, 270 and 272 for providing gaps in whichcollars 226 of hinge members 54 are disposed for rotatably securing tothe wall mount 262 with hinge pin 252. The hinge pin 252 will be securedin the vertical tube 28, adjacent a tube plate 62 having an end portion274 for securing a core panel to the vertical tube 28 and the wall.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view, FIG. 39 is an rear elevation view takenalong section line 39-39 of FIG. 38, and FIG. 40 is a side elevationview a support foot 292. The support foot 292 includes a base plate 294and a post member 296 for securing the lower ends of selected verticaltubes 28. The post member 296 includes channel member 298 and gussets300. Set screw holes 302 are provided in channel member 298. The channelmember 298 will fit within one of the slots 52. Two slots 304 areprovided for receiving a support foot lock plate 308, which is shown asbeing installed in the slots 304 in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a partially exploded view of the support foot 308 beinginstalled within the extrusion 50 providing the vertical tub 28. Thechannel portion 298 of the support foot 308 fits within the slot 52,with the edges 310 of the support plage 308 fitting in the outer grooves84 of the slot 52. After the channel portion 298 of the support foot 308is fully inserted within the slot 52, a tube end cap 332 will beinstalled into the lower end of the extrusion 50. A leveler foot 36 willthen be installed through the end cap 332. The leveler foot 36 has athreaded shank 316 and a round support foot 318. The threaded shank 316extends through the end cap 332 and engages with threads formed in thecentral portion 76 of the protrusions 74 of the extrusion 50. After theleveler foot 36 is rotatably adjusted to select a height for the lowerend of the extrusion 50 from a floor, the support foot 308 is lowered toengage the floor. The set screws 314 (shown in FIG. 42) are threadinglysecured within the threaded holes 312 of the support foot lock plate 308to extend through the two holes 302 in the channel portion 298 to pressagainst the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 and retain the support foot308 in fixed relative relation to the lower end of the extrusion 50.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a support foot lock plate 308. Thesupport foot lock plate 308 has edges 310 which provide mounting tabsfor fitting within the outer grooves 84 of the slots 52. Holes 312 aretapped for receiving set screws 314. The set screws 314 are threadinglysecured within the tapped holes 312 of the support foot lock plate 308and pass through the set screw holes 302 in the channel member 298 ofthe support foot to engage the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 and lockthe support foot 296 in a fixed position secured within the lower end ofa slot 52 of one of the vertical tubes 28.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view and FIG. 44 is a top view of a tube capbutton 320. The button 320 has an upper portion which is preferablythreaded for fitting in an aperture 336 in a tube end cap 332 (shown inFIGS. 45 and 46). A annular ring portion 324 provides a boss for fittinginteriorly within the lower side of the tube end cap 332, beneath thetop portion 334 of the tube cap 332. A lower portion 326 extendsdownward for fitting within the central portion 76 of the interiorprofile 72 of the extrusion 50, between the inward protrusions 74 (shownin FIG. 5).

FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of a tube endcap 332. The tube cap 332 has top portion 334. A threaded aperture 336extends through the top portion 334 for receiving the top cap button 320(shown in FIGS. 43 and 44). An inner lip 338 extends around theperiphery of the top portion 334 for fitting around the exterior of theouter periphery of the extrusion 50. Two spaced apart tabs 340 areprovided which fit within the interior profile 72 of an extrusion 50,between two adjacent support ribs 78 to secure the tube end cap 332within the interior profile 72 of one of the extrusions 50.

FIG. 47 is perspective view of a cable management assembly 352. Thecable management assembly 352 includes a cable clip 354 and cable tubes356. The cable tubes 356 are mounted to the cable clip 354. Two cabletubes 356 are used so that power and data lines may be separately run inthe two conduits 356.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a panel 358 to which several cablemanagement assemblies 352 are mounted for routing power and data lines.The cable clips 352 are secured to vertical tube 28 and horizontal tube30, with cable tubes 356 extending from a ceiling, down a vertical tube28, and to a second set of cable tubes 356 mounted to the lowermosthorizontal tube 30. Flex conduit (not shown) may be used to connect thespaced apart cable tubes 356. A ceiling plate 402 provides a bracket forsecuring vertical runs of the cable tubes 356 to a ceiling.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view and FIG. 40 is a side view of a cable clip354. The cable clip 354 has an arcuately extending clip portion 366 forsecuring to two slots 52 disposed on opposite sides of an extrusion 50providing the vertical tubes 28 and the horizontal tubes 30 (see FIG.34). A mounting tab 368 and a mounting tab 370 are provided for fittingwithin the opposite slots 52 of an extrusion 50, locking the clipportion 354 to the extrusion 50. The arcuate clip portion 366 ispreferably shaped to fit flush against the side of the extrusion 50. Thecable clip 354 further includes a flat, or planar, member 374 having twobosses 376 on opposite edges, and a boss 378 intermediate the two bosses376. The boss 378 preferably extends on one side of the planar member374, the side facing the direction in which the arcuately extending clipportion 366 curves outward. The two bosses 376 extend on opposite sidesof the planer member 374. Mounting grooves 380 are formed in the bosses376 and 378 in opposed arrangements. Two of the cable tubes 356 aremounted to the planar member 378, with mounting tabs 386 of the cabletubes 356 fitting in respective ones of the mounting grooves 380.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view and FIG. 52 is an end view of one of thecable tubes 356. The cable tube 356 has a tubular body 382 and is formedto have a longitudinal slot 384 which extends the full length of thecable tube 356. The slot 384 fits against the planar member 374 of thecable clip 354. Two mounting tabs 386 are provided by flanged ends ofthe cable tube 356, and extend the full longitudinal length of thetubular body 382 of the cable tube 356 for slidably securing the cabletune 356 within the mounting grooves 380 formed in the bosses 376 and378.

FIG. 53 is a top view and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a cable tubeend plate 392. The cable tube end plate 392 has a planar body, with twonotches formed in one end to define a lock tab 396 which extendssubstantially parallel to the plane of the planar body of the cover endplate 392. A stop tab 398 extends upward at a right angle to the planeof the cover end plate 392. The cable tube end plate 392 fits within thetwo oppositely facing grooves 380 located on the side of the planarmember 374 of the cable clip 354 which is opposite the cable tubes 356(see FIG. 47). The stop tap 398 will fit adjacent the boss 378 to blockthe grooves 380 extending in the boss 378 and prevent the cable tubes356 from being removed from the cable clips 354. The lock tab 396 willbe bent upward with a users hand, without requiring hand tools, to pressagainst the lower side of the planar member 374 to secure the cable tubeend plate 392 to the cable clip 354 with a frictional engagement.Optionally, screws could be secured in the holes shown in the end plate392.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ceiling plate 402. The ceiling plate404 has a main body with an aperture 404 formed through the ceilingplate 404 for receiving two of the cable tubes 356. (See FIG. 48). Theprofile of the cable tube end plate 392 is shaped for fittingsubstantially flush with the peripheries of the cable tubes 356 whichare adjacent to one another and extending in parallel. Mounting holes406 are provided in the ceiling plate 402 for securing the ceiling plateto a ceiling.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-on accessory 412 which ismounted to two of the vertical tubes 28 a panel. The accessory 412 ismounted two the vertical tubes 28 by means of an accessory mountingbracket 414. The accessory mounting bracket 414 includes a mounting tab416 for securing in one of the mounting apertures 102 formed into thevertical tubes 28 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of and FIG. 58 is a side view of themounting bracket 414. The mounting bracket has a planar body 418 and abracket body 424 which are angularly disposed at right angles from oneanother. The mounting tab 416 has two slots 420 formed into the sides ofthe mounting tab 416 at the base thereof, for mating with ends of themounting apertures 102 in the vertical tubes 28 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).The mounting holes 422 are provided for securing the mounting bracket414 to the accessory 412 with the tabs 416 of the bracket 414 extendingoutward from the accessory 412 in a direction which is parallel to thepanel to which the accessory is mounted and parallel to the horizontallength of the accessory 414. When mounted to one of the vertical tubes28, the bracket body 424 will fit in the slot 52 of the extrusion 50with the mounting tab 416 extending into the slot 102, and the planarbody 418 will extend outward of the extrusion slot 52, at a right angleto the bracket body 424. The weight of the accessory 412 will pulldownward against the planar main body 418, rather than pulling downwarddirectly against the mounting tab 416 and the mounting apertures 102.

FIG. 59 is a view of an arrangement of three panels having an angledtransactor surface 428 and a round transactor surface 430. The twotransactor surfaces may be of various shapes, and are secured to theupper end of vertical tubes 28. One of the transactor surfaces 428 ismounted to the junction of two of the panels 14 and 16.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the angled transactor surface 428. Thetransactor surface 428 extends with two portions at a 120 degree angle.Two mounting tabs 432 and 434 extend downward for securing within theupper ends of adjacent vertical tubes 28. A hole is provided through themounting tab 436 for optional use of a threaded fastener.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the round transactor surface 430. Theround transactor surface has one downwardly extending mounting tab 436for securing within an upper end of one of the vertical tubes 28.Preferably, the round transactor surfaces 430 is disposed at the ends ofa set of panels, and the transactor surface 428 having two mounting tabs432 and 434 is secured at the junction of two vertical tubes 28. A holeis provided through the mounting tabs 432 and 434 for optional use of athreaded fastner.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly 442 having a curvedpanel 444 and a curved panel 446 which are joined to vertical tubes 28with a mounting assembly 448. The panels 444 and 446 are preferablyformed of an acrylic, but other materials may be used. The vertical tube28 on the left side of the core panel 444 is preferably mounted to thewall with a wall mount assembly 262 (shown in FIG. 36). The core panel444 is preferably physically secured to the panel 442 with hinges 34(shown in FIG. 39). The support feet 292 and the mounting feet 36 aresecured to the lower ends of the vertical tubes 28. The vertical tubes28 are preferably formed of the same extrusions 50 as the modularfurniture 12 having the panels 14, 16, and 18 described above.

FIG. 63 is a partial, perspective view of a core panel 450 secured to avertical tube 28 by a mounting assembly 448. A top cap 42 is secured tothe upper end of the vertical tube 28.

FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of a mounting assembly 448 securedto the core panel 450 prior to securing the core panel 450 to a verticaltube 28. The mounting assembly 448 includes a mounting bracket 452, acore panel pin 454 and two decorative cover caps 456 (one shown). A tubeplate 458 is provided for mounting within a vertical tube 28, andextending a threaded fastener through the tube plate 458, the mountingbracket 452, into an edge of the core panel and threadingly securingwithin the core panel pin 454.

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical tube 28 and themounting assembly 448 securing a core panel 458 to the vertical tube 28.The mounting bracket 452 is shown secured within the slot 52 by a bolt460. The tube plate 458 is rigidly secured in the extrusion 50, betweenthe support ribs 458, and providing a primary structural member forsecuring the core panel 450 within the slot 52 of the extrusion 50. Thebolt 460 extends through the tube plate 458, the aperture 462 extendinginto end of the core panel 458, and threadingly secures to the pin 454.The core panel pin 454 extends transversely through the core panel 458,extending within the transverse aperture 464 and aligned for receivingthe bolt 460. Opposite end portions of the pin 454 protrude from thecore panel 450 and the mounting bracket 454.

FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of the core panel 458 showing alongitudinal aperture 462 and a transverse aperture 464. The transverseaperture 464 extends transversely through the plane of the core panel454 and intersects with the longitudinal aperture 462. The core panelpin 454 (shown in FIG. 69) will extend through the transverse aperture464. The longitudinal aperture 462 is provided by a blind hole whichextends into the edge of the core panel 454, and parallel to the lengthof the plane of the core panel 454 for receiving the mounting bolt 460(shown in FIG. 65).

FIG. 67 shows a perspective view of a tube plate 458. The tube plate ispreferably formed of aluminum, and includes a substantially rectangularbody 455, a mounting aperture 468 for passing the threaded fastener 460(shown in FIG. 64) through the rectangular body 455, and a notchedportion 470 for receiving the head of the threaded fastener.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 452. Mountingbracket 452 includes a web portion 472 with two mounting ears 474 whichextend at a right angle to the web 472. Two pin apertures 478 extend ineach one of the two mounting ears 474, aligned for receiving the corepanel pin 454. A bolt aperture 480 extends through a central portion ofthe web 470, which will register with the bolt aperture 462 (shown inFIG. 66) in the core panel pin 454.

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a core panel pin 454. The core panelpin 454 has a cylindrically shaped shank 482, providing the main body ofthe core panel pin 454. An annular-shaped stop ring 484 is provided forextending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shank 482,extending around the circumference of the shank 482. The stop ring 484is spaced apart from the terminal ends of the core panel pin 454 forlocating the core panel pin 454 within the mounting bracket 452 and thecore panel 454. A transverse through hole 486 extends through the shank482 of the core panel pin 454, and is threaded for threadingly securingto the mounting bolt 460 (shown in FIG. 64). Opposite ends 488 and 490of the shank 482 are provided for receiving the cover cap 456.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of an interior of the cover cap 456. Thecover cap 456 has a main cap body 492 which, is preferably diamondshaped. The cover cap 456 further has a core panel wall 494 and a corepanel wall 496 which are disposed adjacent to the core panel to providean enclosed region 498. Tube walls 500 and 502 extend to an end tip 504for laying flat on the arcuate outer surface of extrusions 50 providingthe vertical tubes 28. A sleeve portion 506 is provided for securing tothe outer ends 488 and 490 of the core panel pin 454. The sleeve portion506 has a mounting hole 508 which extends transverse to the plane of thecap body 492. Longitudinally extending ribs 510 extend longitudinally inrelation to the sleeve portion 506, spaced apart around the mountinghole 508 for providing an interference fit for gripping the ends 488 and490 of the core panel pin 454.

FIGS. 71-73 are various views of a shelf mounting bracket. The shelfmounting bracket includes a shelf strip 518 having cut-out, or notchedportions 520. The shelf strip 518 will be riveted within a slot 52 of anextrusion 50 providing a vertical riser 28. A core panel 522 will fitwithin the interior of the shelf strip 518. A shelf clip 524 is providedhaving locating tabs 526 and a lock tab 528 which mate with the cut-outportions 520 of the shelf strip 518. A lock tab 528 extends in one ofthe notched out portions o520 f the shelf strip 518, and has an outwardend from which a protruding finger 530 transversely extends for fittingwithin the outer groove 84 of the slot 52. The core panel 522 fitswithin the shelf strip 518 to retain the shelf clip 524 within thechannel provided by the shelf strip 518. A mounting portion 532 isprovided with aperture 534 for receiving a pin, and mating to a hinge ofa shelf or another accessory member.

Panels for privacy screens made according the present invention haveseveral advantages. Core panels are mounted to support tubes securedtogether to provide rigid support members. Each of the support tubes arepreferably formed of the same aluminum extrusion. Tube plates providestructural members within the aluminum extrusions for coupling corepanels to the support tubes and for coupled horizontal support tubes tovertical support tubes. Two slots are formed into opposite sides of theextrusion providing the support tubes, each slot having a profile whichdefines two sets of opposed grooves which extend on opposite sides ofthe profile in a mutually facing arrangement for receiving tabs ofmounting brackets. Vertical and horizontal tubes are joined by V-shapednotches are provided in the vertical tubes and V-shaped ends are formedon the horizontal tubes. The V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes matewith the V-shaped notches of the vertical tubes to provide a miterconnection, with the tube plates extending between the tubes as aprimary structural support member for either rigidly securing thesupport tubes together, or rigidly securing a core panel to the supporttube. Inner and outer trim, hinges and wall mounted accessories aremounted in the slots. The inner and outer trim, and the hinges aremounted in the opposed grooves formed into the sidewalls of the slots.Core panels are also secured to extrusions providing the vertical tubesby means a mounting bracket, a core panel pin and a threaded fastener.The mounting bracket fits into one of the slots of the extrusions, andhas two ears which extend outward from the extrusion on opposite sidesof the core panel. The two ears each have pin apertures for receiving apin which extends transversely through a transverse aperture in the corepanel, with a threaded through-hole in the pin extending traverse to thepin an aligned with a longitudinal aperture formed into an edge of thecore panel. A threaded fastener extends through the extrusion, throughthe mounting bracket and between the two ears, through the longitudinalaperture and is threadingly secured within the threaded through-hole ofthe pin.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, itshould be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterationscan be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for privacy panels, comprising: a core panel; a tubeformed from a length of an extrusion, said extrusion having two slotsformed to into said extrusion in opposite sides of said extrusion, saidtwo slots extending along said length of said extrusion, each of saidtwo slots having a slot wall disposed opposite an open end of respectiveone of said two slots, wherein said slot walls extend substantially saidlength of said extrusion; a tube plate extending into said extrusionbetween walls of said two slots, and said tube plate extending insupportive engagement with a plurality of contact portions of saidlength of said extrusion; and wherein said core panel is received withinsaid one of said two slots, and said tube plate retains said core panelin said one of said two slots of said extrusion.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said slots walls each have at least twosupport ribs which extend both substantially for said length of saidextrusion and from respective ones of said sidewalls toward a centralportion of said extrusion.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2,wherein support ribs define at least part of said plurality of contactportions of said length of said extrusion.
 4. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said extrusion further comprises two protrusions whichextend inward from opposite sides of outer side walls of said extrusion,respectively, in respective directions which are perpendicular to saidfirst and second directions in which said two slots extend into saidextrusion, said two protrusions inwardly extending within saidextrusion.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: atleast one set of grooves formed into at least one of said slots, withsaid grooves being disposed on opposite sides of said one of said slotsand said grooves extending transverse to a direction in which said atleast one of said slots extends from an outer portion of said extrusionto an inner portion of said extrusion; a trim having a base portion andtwo legs which outwardly extend from said base portion for receiving anedge of said core panel therebetwen, said base portion having loweredges on opposite sides of said base portion which define mounting tabsfor fitting within said grooves and encloses said slot and said edges ofsaid core panel.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidtube defines a vertical tube and a second tube formed of said extrusiondefines a horizontal tube which is joined to said vertical tube, and theapparatus further comprises: said vertical tube having a V-shaped notchwhich extends into a central portion of said extrusion; said horizontaltube having a V-shaped end which is formed for mating flush with saidV-shaped notch of said vertical tube: said tube plate extending fromsaid vertical tube into said horizontal tube, and having opposite sideswhich engage slots walls of said extrusion providing said horizontaltubes; a threaded fastener securing said tube plate to a threaded membersecured within said horizontal tube; and wherein a second edge of saidcore panel extends into a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent tosaid core panel and said core panel is retained within said slot of saidextrusion at least in part by said tube plate securing said horizontaltube to said vertical tube.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: a pin extending within said core panel, transverseto two sides of said core panel, and having an aperture which extendstransversely through said pin; a mounting bracket fitting into one ofsaid slots of said extrusions, said mounting bracket having two earswhich extend outward from said extrusion on opposite sides of said corepanel, said two ears each having a respective one of pin apertures forreceiving said pin which extends transversely through said core panel,and said mounting bracket having a web portion with a fastener holeextending through said web portion; and a fastener extending throughsaid tube plate in said extrusion, through said fastner hole in saidmounting bracket and between the two ears, and through said end of saidcore panel ain into said pin.
 8. An apparatus for privacy panels,comprising: a core panel; a tube formed from a length of an extrusion,said extrusion having two slots formed to into said extrusion in a firstdirection and a second direction, respectively, wherein said seconddirection is opposite said first direction, and said two slots extendingalong said length of said extrusion, with said two slots being disposedon opposite sides of said extrusion and each having a slot wall disposedopposite an open end of respective one of said two slots, wherein saidslot walls extend substantially said length of said extrusion; innergrooves and outer grooves formed into respective one of said slot walls,with two of said inner grooves being disposed on opposite sides of eachof said two slots and two of said outer grooves being disposed onopposite sides of each of said two slots, with said inner grooves andsaid outer grooves extending transverse to said first and seconddirections into which said slots extend into said extrusion andtransverse to at least a portion of said bottom wall, with said innergrooves disposed inward within said two slots from said outer grooves; atube plate extending into said extrusion at least between said slotwalls of said two slots in said first and second directions, andextending along a portion of said length of said extrusion; and whereinsaid core panel is received within one of said two slots in one of saidfirst and second directions, and retained within said one of said twoslots by means of said tube plate.
 9. The apparatus according to claim8, wherein said sidewalls of said slots each have at least two supportribs which extend both substantially for said length of said extrusionand from respective ones of said sidewalls toward said central portionof said extrusion.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein saidsupport ribs contact said tube plate in supportive engagement.
 11. Theapparatus according to claim 11, wherein said extrusion furthercomprises two protrusions which extend inward from opposite sides ofouter side walls of said extrusion, respectively, in respectivedirections which are perpendicular to said first and second directionsin which said two slots extend into said extrusion.
 12. The apparatusaccording to claim 11, wherein said protrusions have interior ends whichdefine a central portion of said extrusion, said interior ends of saidprotrusions, said protrusions being generally T-shaped with saidinterior ends defining arcuately shaped ends for said protrusions,wherein said central portion of said extrusion is substantially tubularwith open sides.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 8, furthercomprising: an inner trim having a base portion and two legs whichoutwardly extend from said base portion for receiving an edge of saidcore panel therebetween, said base portion having lower edges onopposite sides of said base portion which define mounting tabs forfitting within said inner grooves; two outer trim members disposed onopposite sides of said inner trim member within a respective one of saidslots within which said inner trim member is disposed, each trim memberhaving a main body and a protuberance which extends from an outward sideof said main body to define a longitudinally extending mounting tab,said protuberance having a substantially rounded-shaped profile whichdefines a bulbous body for fitting within an outer groove of the slotsto retain said outer trim between a sidewall of said respective slot andsaid inner trim, and said main body extending outward of said slot andagainst a side of a core panel disposed within said inner trim; andwherein said inner and outer trim enclosing said slot and said edge ofsaid core panel.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein saidlength of said extrusion is perpendicular to said first direction andsaid second direction.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 8, whereinsaid tube defines a vertical tube and a second tube formed of saidextrusion defines a horizontal tube which is joined to said verticaltube, and the apparatus further comprises: said vertical tubes havingV-shaped notches which extend into a central portion of said extrusion;said horizontal tubes having V-shaped ends which are formed for matingflush with said V-shaped notches of said vertical tubes: said tube plateextending from said vertical tubes into said horizontal tubes, andhaving opposite sides which engage slots walls of said extrusionproviding said horizontal tubes; a threaded fastener securing said tubeplate to a threaded member secured within said horizontal tube; andwherein a second edge of said core panel extends into a slot of saidextrusion which is adjacent to said core panel.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 8, further comprising: a pin extending within saidcore panel, transverse two sides of said core panel, and having anaperture which extends transversely through said pin; a mounting bracketfitting into one of said slots of said extrusions, said mounting brackethaving two ears which extend outward from said extrusion on oppositesides of said core panel, said two ears each having a respective one ofpin apertures for receiving said pin which extends transversely throughsaid core panel, and said mounting bracket having a web portion with afastener hole extending through said web portion; and a fastenerextending through said tube plate in said extrusion, through saidfastner hole in said mounting bracket and between the two ears, andthrough said end of said core panel ain into said pin.
 17. An apparatusfor privacy panels, comprising: a core panel; a tube formed from alength of an extrusion, said extrusion having two slots formed to intosaid extrusion in a first direction and a second direction,respectively, wherein said second direction is opposite said firstdirection and said first and second directions are perpendicular to saidlength of said extrusion, and said two slots extending along said lengthof said extrusion, with said two slots being disposed on opposite sidesof said extrusion and each having a slot wall disposed opposite an openend of respective ones of said two slots, wherein said slot walls extendsubstantially said length of said extrusion; said extrusion having twoprotrusions which extend inward from opposite sides of outer side wallsof said extrusion, respectively, in respective directions which areperpendicular to said first and second directions in which said twoslots extend into said extrusion, said two protrusions inwardlyextending within said extrusion, said protrusions have interior endswhich define a central portion of said extrusion; and said extrusionfurther having two support ribs which inwardly extend from said slotwalls toward an interior of said tube, said support ribs extendingsubstantially for said length of said extrusion; a tube plate extendinginto said extrusion and disposed in supportive engagement with each ofsaid support ribs along a plurality of contact regions which extendinglongitudinally along a portion of said length of said extrusion; andwherein said core panel is received within one of said two slots in oneof said first and second directions, and retained within said one ofsaid two slots by means of said tube plate.
 18. The apparatus accordingto claim 17, comprising: inner grooves and outer grooves formed intorespective one of said slot walls, with two of said inner grooves beingdisposed on opposite sides of each of said two slots and two of saidouter grooves being disposed on opposite sides of each of said twoslots, with said inner grooves and said outer grooves extendingtransverse to said first and second directions into which said slotsextend into said extrusion and transverse to at least a portion of saidbottom wall, with said inner grooves disposed inward within said twoslots from said outer grooves; an inner trim having a base portion andtwo legs which outwardly extend from said base portion for receiving anedge of said core panel there-between, said base portion having loweredges on opposite sides of said base portion which define mounting tabsfor fitting within said inner grooves; two outer trim members disposedon opposite sides of said inner trim member within a respective one ofsaid slots within which said inner trim member is disposed, each trimmember having a main body and a protuberance which extends from anoutward side of said main body to define a longitudinally extendingmounting tab, said protuberance having a substantially rounded-shapedprofile which defines a bulbous body for fitting within an outer grooveof the slots to retain said outer trim between a sidewall of saidrespective slot and said inner trim, and said main body extendingoutward of said slot and against a side of a core panel disposed withinsaid inner trim; and wherein said inner and outer trim enclosing saidslot and said edge of said core panel.
 19. The apparatus according toclaim 17, wherein said tube defines a vertical tube and a second tubeformed of said extrusion defines a horizontal tube which is joined tosaid vertical tube, and the apparatus further comprises: said verticaltubes having V-shaped notches which extend into a central portion ofsaid extrusion; said horizontal tubes having V-shaped ends which areformed for mating flush with said V-shaped notches of said verticaltubes: said tube plate extending from said vertical tubes into saidhorizontal tubes, and having opposite sides which engage slots walls ofsaid extrusion providing said horizontal tubes; a threaded fastenersecuring said tube plate to a threaded member secured within saidhorizontal tube, and wherein a second edge of said core panel extendsinto a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent to said core panel. 20.The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a pin extendingwithin said core panel, transverse two sides of said core panel, andhaving an aperture which extends transversely through said pin; amounting bracket fitting into one of said slots of said extrusions, saidmounting bracket having two ears which extend outward from saidextrusion on opposite sides of said core panel, said two ears eachhaving a respective one of pin apertures for receiving said pin whichextends transversely through said core panel, and said mounting brackethaving a web portion with a fastener hole extending through said webportion; and a fastener extending through said tube plate in saidextrusion, through said fastner hole in said mounting bracket andbetween the two ears, and through said end of said core panel ain intosaid pin.